Defence And Foreign Policy
Class 8 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 6
Class 8 Unit 6 Civics
Unit 6 Defence & Foreign Policy
Learning Objectives
Students acquire knowledge about
1. The Indian Armed Forces
2. Paramilitary Defence Forces
3. Foreign Policy of India
4. India's relation with neighbouring countries
1. Defence
Introduction
India is a peace-loving country. India has always maintained cordial relationship with all the other countries in general and with its neighbours in particular. At the same time, it has to strengthen its security to defend its border from any foreign aggression. So the Government of India has given higher priorities to the defence sector. Let us understand the various defence forces of our country.
Need for Defence System
National Security is very essential for the political, social and economic development of any country. It is also important for the growth of a country's peace and prosperity.
Indian Defence Services
The President of India being the head of the State occupies the highest position in our defence organisation. He is the supreme commander of the Armed forces in India.
Security Forces in India can be divided into
Indian Armed Forces – They are primary forces consist of country's Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast guard. They serve under the Ministry of Defence.
Paramilitary Forces – They are Assam Rifles and Special Frontier Force.
Central Armed Police Forces – They are BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF and SSB. They serve under the authority of Ministry of Home Affairs. CAPF work along with both Army and Police in different roles assigned to them.
Indian Armed Forces
Army
The Indian Army is the land-based branch and it the largest volunteer army in the world. It is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general. The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security, national unity, defending the nation from external aggression, internal threats and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural disaster and calamities. The Indian Army has a regimental system. It is operationally and geographically divided into seven commands.
Do You Know?
The National War Memorial is a monument built by the Government of India to honour the Indian Armed Forces. The memorial is spread over 40 acres of land and is built around the existing chart (canopy) near India Gate, New Delhi. The names of armed forces personnel martyred during the conflicts are inscribed on the memorial walls.
Navy
The primary objective of the navy is to safeguard the nation's maritime borders, and in conjunction with other Armed Forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India. The Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star Admiral, commands the navy. It has three Naval Commands.
Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflict. The Chief of Air Staff, an air chief marshal, is a four-star officer and is responsible for the bulk of operational command of the Air Force. It has seven commands.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
The Indian Coast Guard was established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India. It operates under the Ministry of Defence. The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs) and the Central and State police forces.
Do You Know?
Field Marshal is a Five Star General officer rank and the highest attainable rank in the Indian Army. Sam Manekshaw was the first Field Marshal of India and the second Field Marshal was K. M. Cariappa. Arjan Singh was the first and the only office of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to Five Star Rank as Marshal. The Madras Regiment is one of the oldest infantry regiment of the Indian Army, originating in the year 1758. The Regimental Centre is at wellington, Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu. In 1962, after the Sino-Indian War, the need to expand the number of officers was felt. Two Officers Training Schools (O T S) were established in Pune and Chennai to train officers for Emergency Commission into the Army. On 1st January 1988, the school was renamed as the Officers Training Academy (O T A).
Paramilitary Defence Forces
The Forces which help in maintaining internal security, protecting the coastline and assisting the army are known as "Paramilitary Forces". The responsibility is the security of important places like Railway stations, Oil fields and refineries, water reservoirs lines. They also participate in the management of natural or man-made disasters. During peace time, the paramilitary forces also have the responsibility of protecting the international borders.
a) Assam Rifles (A R)
b) Special Frontier Force (S F F)
Assam Rifles (A R)
The Assam Rifles came into being in 1835 which was established by the British in the Assam region, as a militia called the 'Cachar Levy'. There are currently 46 battalions of Assam Rifles. It is under the Ministry of Home Affairs (M H A).
Special Frontier Force (S F F)
The Special Frontier Force (S F F) is a paramilitary special force of India created in 1962. This force was put under the direct supervision of the Intelligence Bureau, and later, under the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.
Central Armed Police Forces (C A P F)
Following five forces which come under Ministry of Home Affairs were earlier considered paramilitary forces, but from March' 2011, They have been reclassified as Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to avoid confusion.
1)Central Reserve Police Force (C R P F)
2) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (I T B P)
3) Border Security Force (B S F)
4) Central Industrial Security Force (C I S F)
5) Special Service Bureau (S S B)
Do You Know?
In 1025 A D (C E), Rajendra Chola I, the Chola king from Tamil Nadu launched naval on the city-state of expedition Srivijaya in maritime Southeast Asia, and conquered Kadaram (modern Kedah). Rajendra's overseas expedition against Srivijaya was a unique event in India's history.
Central Reserve Police Force (C R P F)
The mission of Central Reserve Police force shall be to enable the government to maintain Rule of law, public order and internal security effectively and efficiently, to preserve national integrity and promote social harmony and development by upholding supremacy of the Constitution. The Rapid Action Force is a specialised wing of the C R P F (Central Reserve Police Force) to deal with riot, crowd control, rescue and relief operations, and related unrest situations.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (I T B P)
It is a border guarding police force. This force is specialized in high altitude operations. It is deployed for border guarding duties from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh (India – China border).
Border Security Force (B S F)
The border security force is a Border Guarding Force of India. BSF is charged with guarding India's land border during peace time and preventing transnational crimes.
Do You Know?
National Cadet Corps (N C C)
National Cadet Corps is a Tri-Services Organization, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, engaged in grooming the youth of the country into disciplined and patriotic citizens. The National Cadet Corps in India is a voluntary organization which recruits cadets from high schools, colleges and universities all over India. The Cadets are given basic military training in small arms and parades.
Central Industrial Security Force (C I S F)
The Central Industrial Security Force was set up under an Act of the Parliament of India on 10th March 1969. Its duties are guarding sensitive governmental buildings, the Delhi Metro, and providing airport security.
Sashastra Seema Bal/ Special Service Bureau (S S B)
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), in English the Armed Border Force is the border guardening force for Nepal and Bhutan border.
Home Guard
The Indian Home Guard is a voluntary force, tasked as an auxiliary to the Indian Police. Home Guards are recruited from various cross sections of the civil society such as professionals, college students, agricultural and industrial workers, etc. who give their spare time for betterment of the community. All citizens of India, in the age group of 18 to 50, are eligible. Normal tenure of membership in Home Guards is three to five years.
15th January - Army Day
1st February - Coast Guard Day
10th March - Central Industrial Security Force Day
7th October - Rapid Action Force Day
8th October - Air Force Day
4th December - Navy Day
7th December - Armed Forces Flag Day
To protect and guard our nation, our armed forces are always kept ready. Youth should come forward to service and save the nation by joining the armed forces. Recruitment to the Defence services is open to all Indians. It is the duty of every citizen to have an opportunity to serve the country.
2. Foreign Policy of India
A foreign policy is a set of political goals that define how a sovereign country will interact with other countries in the world. It seeks to secure the best interest of the people, territory and economy of the country. Our country's external relation is based on certain principles and policies. India's foreign policy was evolved with the background of her colonial sufferings.
Basic Principles of Foreign Policy
1.Preservation of national interest
2. Achievement of world peace ¾ Disarmament
3.Abolition of Colonialism, Racism and Imperialism
4.Incresing the number of friendly nations
5.Economic development
Panchsheel
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India was the chief architect of India's foreign policy. Nehru was a supporter of world peace. Hence he gave utmost importance to world peace in his policy planning. He declared the five principles of peace, known as Panchsheel. These principles included
1. Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty
2. Mutual non-aggression
3. Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs
4. Equality and mutual benefit
5. Peaceful co-existence.
Non-Alignment
The word Non-Alignment was coined by V.K. Krishna Menon. Non-alignment has been regarded as the most important feature of India's foreign policy. Non-alignment aimed to maintain national independence in foreign affairs by not joining any military alliance formed by the USA or Soviet Union in the aftermath of the Second World War. Nonalignment was neither neutrality nor noninvolvement nor isolationism. It was a dynamic concept which meant not committing to any military bloc but taking an independent stand on international issues.
The founding fathers of Non-Aligned Movement: Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Tito of Yugoslavia, Nasser of Egypt, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkumarah of Ghana.
Do You Know?
Nelson Mandela – Leader of the African National Council of South Africa. A determined fighter against apartheid. Apartheid is the worst form of racial discrimination. It is against humanism and democracy. India fought against Apartheid and opposed all types of racial discrimination. The end of racialism in South Africa in 1990 was a great success for India's policy.
India's Relation with Neighbouring Countries
India's position is unique in its neighbourhood. India has always favoured international and regional cooperation, because she believes that through cooperation all disputes and problems among nations can be sorted out peacefully. India's foreign policy is based on the principle of developing friendly relations and cooperation with her neighbours.
Do You Know?
India shares a common land border with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Burma. It also shares a common sea border with Sri Lanka. India is a vast country with
1. Pakistan and Afghanistan to the north-west
2. China, Nepal, Bhutan to the north
3. Bangladesh to the east
4. Myanmar to the far east
5. Sri Lanka (south-east) and
6. Maldives (south-west)
Neighbourhood First policy
It is part of India's foreign policy that actively focuses on improving ties with India's immediate neighbours. India provides neighbours with support as needed in the form of resources, equipment and training. Greater connectivity and integration is provided so as to improve the free flow of goods, people, energy, capital and information.
Act East Policy
South East Asia begins with North East India. Myanmar is our land bridge to the countries of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The purpose is to ensure a stable and multipolar balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and to become an integral part of Asia.
India is actively engaged in general economic diplomacy with its neighbouring countries as below.
SAARC
India believes in regional co-operation. To foster the bonds of brotherhood, co-operation and peaceful co-existence SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) was established. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan are the eight members of the SAARC.
BCIM
This Bangladesh – China – India - Myanmar Economic corridor envisages the formation of a thriving economic belt, focusing on cross- border transport, energy and telecommunication networks.
BIMSTEC
It refers Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Its main objectives are to strengthen and improve the technological economic cooperation, international trade and foreign direct investment cooperation. The member countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
BBIN
Bangladesh – Bhutan - India – Nepal has signed a framework to enable movement of passengers, cargo vehicles and for energy development.
To summarise, India is a huge country with manifold cultures. It has high status in the South East Asia. India's foreign policy is to maintain peace, freedom and mutual co-operation among the nations. Though India is not in any major military alliance, our relations with the major powers have acquired a strategic depth.
Recap
1.National security is very essential not only for peace but also for the economic development.
2. Indian defence forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air force, various paramilitary organisations and various inter – service institutions.
3. The president is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
4. India has maintained cordial relationship with all the countries.
5. India gives highest priority to her neighbours. A peaceful periphery is essential for India to achieve her multifarious developmental goals.
6. India has been implementing a policy of asymmetric engagement to strengthen bridges of friendship and create new opportunities for the growth and security.
Glossary
National Security Safety of nation நாட்டின் பாதுகாப்பு Defence forces Force with arms for the safety of a country நாட்டின் பாதுகாப்பிற்கான படைகள் Neutrality the state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict எப்பக்கமும் ஆதரவளிக்காமல் இருத்தல் Racialism A practice of discrimination on the basis of racial origin இன அடிப்படையில் வேறுபாடு காணுதல் Frontier a border separating two countries எல்லை
Evaluation
Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. The Supreme Commander of the Armed forces is our
a) President b) Prime Minister c) Governor d) Chief Minister
2. The primary mission of Indian Army is to ensure
a) National Security b) National Unity c) Defending the nation from external aggression d) All the above
3. The Army day is
a) 15th January b) 1st February c) 10th March d) 7th October
4. Assam Rifles is under the control of
a) Ministry of Defence b) National Security Advisor c) PMO d) Ministry of Home Affairs
5. Indian Coast Guard was established in
a) 1976 b) 1977 c) 1978 d) 1979
6. India's foreign policy is based on several principles. One of which is
a) Satyameva Jayate b) Panchasheel c) both of these d) None of these
7. Which of the following islands belong to India?
a) Andaman and Maldives b) Andaman and Lakshadweep Island c) Sri Lanka and Maldives d) Maldives and Lakshadweep Island Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks
1. The Madras Regimental Army centre is at .
2. The Indian Navy Chief is .
3. is first and only officer of Indian Air Force to be promoted to Five Star rank Marshal of Indian Air Force.
4. The chief architect of India's foreign policy was .
5. The Word Non – Alignment was coined by .
Exercise 3. Match the following
| 1. Nelson Mandela | |
| 2. National war Memorial | |
| 3. Manekshaw | |
| 4. SAARC | |
| 5. B C I M | |
Exercise 4. State true or false 1. Central Armed Police Force serve under the Ministry of Defence. 2. The Madras Regiment is one of the oldest infantry regiment. 3. The Rapid Action Force is a specialised wing of the CRPF. 4. N C C Cadets are given basic military training. 5. Bangladesh is a part of India. 6. Myanmar is land bridge to ASEAN nations. Exercise 5. Choose the correct statement
1. Consider the following statement related to Armed forces.
The Indian Army is the land based branch of Armed forces.
The mission of Indian Army is not only ensure the national security but also conducts humanisation rescue operations.
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Assertion (A): The President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed forces of India.
Reason (R): The President is the head of the State and occupies the highest position.
a) A is correct and R explains A b) A is correct and R does not explain A c) A is correct and R is wrong d) Both A and R are wrong
3. Assertion (A): India has favoured international co-operation.
Reason (R): She believes that all disputes among nations can be solved through friendly co-operation.
a) A is correct and R is wrong b) Both A and R are wrong c) A is correct and R explains A d) A is correct and R does not explain A
4. Which of the following statements is not true about "Apartheid?"
1) Apartheid is a policy of racial discrimination.
2) It is against humanism.
3) The policy of racialism is practiced in India.
a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 2 only d) 3 only
5. Find the odd one out
a) Maldives b) Sri Lanka c) Myanmar d) Lakshadweep Exercise 6. Answer the following in one or two sentences
1. Why national security is very essential?
2. What does the following abbreviation stand for?
a) S F F
b) I C G
c) B S F
d) N C C
3. Write a short note on C R P F
4. Name the founding fathers of Non Aligned Movement
5. Write the basic principles of India's Foreign Policy.
6. Name the member countries of the SAARC.
Exercise 7. Answer the following in detail
1. Describe the structure and administration of Indian Army.
2. Write about Paramilitary Defence Forces.
3. Write five principles of Panchasheel
4. India focuses on improving ties with its neighbours. How?
Exercise 8. H O Ts
1. A career in defence forces promises one of the most prestigious and respected position in the country. State the importance.
Exercise 9. Project and Activity
1. Prepare an album about our Defence System
2. Collect information about awards in the Indian Army (for Example: Param Vir Chakra)
3. Divide the whole class into eight groups, each representing one SAARC countries. Each group should Display the name of the country and its national flag. Hold group discussion or quizzes and the Following topics Land and people Form of Government Capital Currency Points of agreement with India
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Annual Report (2017 – 2018), Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi
2. Deshpande, Anirudh., (Ed), The First Line of Defence Glorious 50 Years of the Border Security Force, Shipra Publications, Delhi, 2015.
3. Baatcheet (Monthly Magazine- An Indian Army Publication), Additional Directorate General, Public Information, IHQ of MoD, New Delhi.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's Foreign Policy, Selected Speeches 1946-April 1961, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, 1961.
5. V.P. Dutt, India's Foreign Policy in a Changing World, Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi, 1999.
6. Robert Bradnock, India's Foreign Policy Since 1971, Council on Foreign Relations Press, New York, 1990.
INTERNET RESOURCES
www.indianarmy.nic.in
www.indiannavy.nic.in
www.indianairforce.nic.in
www.assamrifles.gov.in
www.crpf.gov.in
www.bsf.nic.in
www.itbpolice.nic.in
www.cisf.gov.in
www.ssb.nic.in
www.indiancoastguard.gov.in
www.nccindia.nic.in
www.dgfscdhg.gov.in
www.mod.gov.in
www.madrasregiment.org
www.nationalwarmemorial.gov.in
I C T CORNER
Defence & Foreign Policy
Step 1 Open the Browser and type the URL given below (or) Scan the QR Code.
Step 2 Scroll down, Click on Army from "Important organisation"
Step 3 Go to Explore army in main menu and select 'War Memorial'
Web URL: https://mod.gov.in/
*Pictures are indicatives only.
*If browser requires, allow Flash Player or Java Script to load the pag
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the correct answer
1. The Supreme Commander of the Armed forces is our
a) President b) Prime Minister c) Governor d) Chief Minister
Answer: a) President
Explanation: The President of India being the head of the State occupies the highest position in our defence organisation. He is the supreme commander of the Armed forces in India.
2. The primary mission of Indian Army is to ensure
a) National Security b) National Unity c) Defending the nation from external aggression d) All the above
Answer: d) All the above
Explanation: The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security, national unity, defending the nation from external aggression, internal threats and maintaining peace and security within its borders.
3. The Army day is
a) 15th January b) 1st February c) 10th March d) 7th October
Answer: a) 15th January
Explanation: According to the chapter, 15th January is Army Day.
4. Assam Rifles is under the control of
a) Ministry of Defence b) National Security Advisor c) PMO d) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: d) Ministry of Home Affairs
Explanation: The chapter states that Assam Rifles is under the Ministry of Home Affairs (M H A).
5. Indian Coast Guard was established in
a) 1976 b) 1977 c) 1978 d) 1979
Answer: c) 1978
Explanation: The Indian Coast Guard was established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India.
6. India's foreign policy is based on several principles. One of which is
a) Satyameva Jayate b) Panchasheel c) both of these d) None of these
Answer: b) Panchasheel
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru declared the five principles of peace, known as Panchsheel, which became an important part of India's foreign policy.
7. Which of the following islands belong to India?
a) Andaman and Maldives b) Andaman and Lakshadweep Island c) Sri Lanka and Maldives d) Maldives and Lakshadweep Island
Answer: b) Andaman and Lakshadweep Island
Explanation: From the chapter context, Andaman and Lakshadweep are the islands that belong to India, while Maldives and Sri Lanka are neighboring countries.
2. Fill in the blanks
1. The Madras Regimental Army centre is at ______.
Answer: wellington, Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu
2. The Indian Navy Chief is ______.
Answer: Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star Admiral
3. ______ is first and only officer of Indian Air Force to be promoted to Five Star rank Marshal of Indian Air Force.
Answer: Arjan Singh
4. The chief architect of India's foreign policy was ______.
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
5. The Word Non – Alignment was coined by ______.
Answer: V.K. Krishna Menon
3. Match the following
1. Match the Following
| 1. Nelson Mandela | a) 8 members |
| 2. National war Memorial | b) Field Marshal |
| 3. Manekshaw | c) Energy development |
| 4. SAARC | d) Apartheid |
| 5. BCIM | e) New Delhi |
Answers: 1-d, 2-e, 3-b, 4-a, 5-c
4. State true or false
1. Central Armed Police Force serve under the Ministry of Defence.
Answer: False
2. The Madras Regiment is one of the oldest infantry regiment.
Answer: True
3. The Rapid Action Force is a specialised wing of the CRPF.
Answer: True
4. NCC Cadets are given basic military training.
Answer: True
5. Bangladesh is a part of India.
Answer: False
6. Myanmar is land bridge to ASEAN nations.
Answer: True
5. Choose the correct statement
1. Consider the following statement related to Armed forces. The Indian Army is the land based branch of Armed forces. The mission of Indian Army is not only ensure the national security but also conducts humanisation rescue operations.
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The Indian Army is the land-based branch and it conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural disaster and calamities.
2. Assertion (A): The President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed forces of India. Reason (R): The President is the head of the State and occupies the highest position.
a) A is correct and R explains A b) A is correct and R does not explain A c) A is correct and R is wrong d) Both A and R are wrong
Answer: a) A is correct and R explains A
Explanation: The President of India being the head of the State occupies the highest position in our defence organisation. He is the supreme commander of the Armed forces in India.
3. Assertion (A): India has favoured international co-operation. Reason (R): She believes that all disputes among nations can be solved through friendly co-operation.
a) A is correct and R is wrong b) Both A and R are wrong c) A is correct and R explains A d) A is correct and R does not explain A
Answer: c) A is correct and R explains A
Explanation: India has always favoured international and regional cooperation, because she believes that through cooperation all disputes and problems among nations can be sorted out peacefully.
4. Which of the following statements is not true about "Apartheid?" 1) Apartheid is a policy of racial discrimination. 2) It is against humanism. 3) The policy of racialism is practiced in India.
a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 2 only d) 3 only
Answer: d) 3 only
Explanation: India fought against Apartheid and opposed all types of racial discrimination, so statement 3 is not true.
5. Find the odd one out
a) Maldives b) Sri Lanka c) Myanmar d) Lakshadweep
Answer: d) Lakshadweep
Explanation: Lakshadweep is an Indian island territory, while Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are neighboring countries of India.
6. Answer the following in one or two sentences
1. Why national security is very essential?
Answer: National Security is very essential for the political, social and economic development of any country. It is also important for the growth of a country's peace and prosperity.
2. What does the following abbreviation stand for? a) SFF b) ICG c) BSF d) NCC
Answer: a) SFF - Special Frontier Force b) ICG - Indian Coast Guard c) BSF - Border Security Force d) NCC - National Cadet Corps
3. Write a short note on CRPF
Answer: The mission of Central Reserve Police force shall be to enable the government to maintain Rule of law, public order and internal security effectively and efficiently. It preserves national integrity and promotes social harmony and development by upholding supremacy of the Constitution.
4. Name the founding fathers of Non Aligned Movement
Answer: The founding fathers of Non-Aligned Movement are Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Tito of Yugoslavia, Nasser of Egypt, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkumarah of Ghana.
5. Write the basic principles of India's Foreign Policy.
Answer: The basic principles of Foreign Policy are: Preservation of national interest, Achievement of world peace and Disarmament, Abolition of Colonialism, Racism and Imperialism, Increasing the number of friendly nations, and Economic development.
6. Name the member countries of the SAARC.
Answer: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan are the eight members of the SAARC.
7. Answer the following in detail
1. Describe the structure and administration of Indian Army.
Answer: The Indian Army is the land-based branch and it the largest volunteer army in the world. It is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general. The Indian Army has a regimental system and is operationally and geographically divided into seven commands. The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security, national unity, defending the nation from external aggression, internal threats and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It also conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural disaster and calamities.
2. Write about Paramilitary Defence Forces.
Answer: The Forces which help in maintaining internal security, protecting the coastline and assisting the army are known as "Paramilitary Forces". They are responsible for the security of important places like Railway stations, Oil fields and refineries, water reservoirs. They also participate in the management of natural or man-made disasters. During peace time, the paramilitary forces also have the responsibility of protecting the international borders. The main paramilitary forces are Assam Rifles and Special Frontier Force.
3. Write five principles of Panchasheel
Answer: The five principles of Panchsheel declared by Jawaharlal Nehru are: Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, Mutual non-aggression, Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, Equality and mutual benefit, and Peaceful co-existence. These principles formed the basis of India's foreign policy for maintaining world peace.
4. India focuses on improving ties with its neighbours. How?
Answer: India implements the Neighbourhood First policy which actively focuses on improving ties with India's immediate neighbours. India provides neighbours with support as needed in the form of resources, equipment and training. Greater connectivity and integration is provided to improve the free flow of goods, people, energy, capital and information. India participates in regional organizations like SAARC, BCIM, BIMSTEC, and BBIN to foster cooperation and peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries.
8. HOTs
1. A career in defence forces promises one of the most prestigious and respected position in the country. State the importance.
Answer: According to the chapter, to protect and guard our nation, our armed forces are always kept ready. Youth should come forward to service and save the nation by joining the armed forces. Recruitment to the Defence services is open to all Indians. It is the duty of every citizen to have an opportunity to serve the country. Defence forces ensure national security and protect the country's borders, making it a prestigious career choice.
📝 Summary
- India maintains peace but prioritizes defence to protect borders, with the President as supreme commander of Armed Forces and security forces divided into Indian Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, and Central Armed Police Forces.
- The Indian Army is the world's largest volunteer army commanded by a four-star Chief of Army Staff, organized into seven commands with missions including national security, defending against external aggression, and humanitarian rescue operations.
- The Indian Navy safeguards maritime borders under a four-star Admiral Chief of Naval Staff with three Naval Commands, while the Indian Air Force secures airspace under an Air Chief Marshal with seven commands.
- The Indian Coast Guard, established in 1978, operates as an independent Armed force under the Ministry of Defence, working closely with the Navy, Fisheries Department, Customs, and police forces.
- Field Marshal is the highest five-star rank in the Indian Army with Sam Manekshaw as the first recipient, while the Madras Regiment represents one of the oldest infantry regiments dating back to 1758.